The federal government paused federal funds used to build new EV chargers late last week. A group of prominent automakers has asked them to turn the tap back on as soon as possible.
Like many industries, the automotive sector has formed several trade groups representing its interests in Washington. The Electric Drive Transportation Association is one. EDTA members include Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota, charging providers like EVGo, and large retailers like Walmart that benefit from chargers in their parking lots.
The EDTA wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation almost immediately after the funding pause was announced.
“We urge the Administration to quickly resume the critical work of the program and minimize uncertainty for states and their businesses, who have invested in infrastructure to serve local and national goals for advanced transportation,” the group said.
The funding freeze may not stop projects currently under construction. The Department of Transportation left it up to states to decide whether to complete or pause already-signed contracts.
It comes as part of an expanding legal fight over whether the president can decide not to spend money allocated by Congress.